Launch Man Group

Actually, the question is, “Am I judgmental, and does God hate me?” God doesn’t want us caught up in arguments that don’t truly exalt Him. When I would do so in the past; it’s funny, no one ever got saved or left the conversation like, “Man, Christ is awesome!” Rather it was, “This dude’s an a- hole,” and it likely drove them further away from Him. I wonder if there were many people clapping in heaven as a result. Not quite the Christ impression. When Jesus hung on the cross and people didn’t “get His point,” His response wasn’t a display of anger, insensitivity, hatred, or rage, (which is at the heart a spirit of murder); it was compassion. Luke 23:33-34 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. There was an interesting article I read today that really drives this point home. The details are graphic, so please read at your own risk. Some of you may remember this story about three men who were tortured and martyred savagely for their faith in Turkey and a widow’s response. Here’s the article: https://mattpapa.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/martyr-monday-tilman-geske-1961-2007-necati-aydin-1975-2007-and-ugur-uksel-1978-2007/ This woman was a Christian; she had the heart of God (Matthew 5:43-48). She shames me as I think of the things for which I allow myself to become hateful and resentful, even belligerent, causing more damage to relationships and separating people. God hates me if I resolve to live this way (Psalm 5:4-6; 11:5). So as I look on the recent decision to allow same-sex nation in our nation, instead of asking, entertaining, or discussing the question, “Does God hate gays?” How about if we take the position of Christ and this widow and pray for the heart of our nation, stop arguing, and simply get involved with people, introduce them to Christ, and then let Him do the work. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. This article is not an indictment against standing up for truth; rather, it is a measuring stick by which we can judge our actions to see if we’re doing things God’s way or exalting our own opinions to the detriment of saving souls. Let’s preserve our witness. #LovePeople #Pray #GetInvolved #GodRocks Always love, Mr. MJ

It’s a Matter of Faith… Consider: 1 light year is 5.88 trillion miles long=5,880,000,000,000 miles=distance light travels in one year This is the size of the ruler we must use to measure God’s universe. Isaiah 40:25-26 NIV “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. We think Adam naming all the animals was something! He was just acting out of his God-nature. What could we create with our words? We are formed by God in His likeness. What are we missing? Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV 11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. John 20:29 NIV Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy… Belief is so important! Many of us believe, and yet, we can’t see Him. Why do we have trouble doing this with the promises of God? We believe in Jesus. His death, burial, and resurrection is the evidence and substance of our hope. We did not see it, but we believe it and because of that we receive our salvation: through faith. We receive salvation: through faith. We receive God’s righteousness: through faith. We receive God’s promises… Romans 4:13 NLT Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. Romans 1:17 AMP 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed in a way that awakens more faith]. As it is written and forever remains written, “The just and upright shall live by faith.” …through faith. As children of God, we have to quit looking at our circumstances for evidence of what we hope for, and put our confidence in God, His truthfulness, and His Word. He cannot lie, and He cannot fail. Hebrews 6:13-20 NIV 13 For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying: 14 “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” 15 Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. 16 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. 17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. God has set the example that we have to declare the promises of God (Romans 10:10), which are “Yes, and Amen” in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20), with our mouths to see in the physical world that for which we hope. That is so awesome! Do we believe that? How much would our lives improve if we stopped doing the opposite: focusing on what we don’t have or the negative things we see? This is so backwards, and I am guilty! We believe the promises of God in our hearts, we say them, God acts—not always in our timing or even in this life do we always see their fulfillment (Hebrews 11:13-16). However, God never fails or disappoints us, ever. Don’t give up on your hope (Hebrews 10:35). Sometimes it’s a process. Sometimes we don’t see the manifestation until after we die, but how much better could we bear today’s trouble if we knew that for eternity (compare that to today’s lifespan), we’d be with Him lacking nothing (Revelation 21:3-5). This lifespan is much too tiny to live for; live for eternity. Don’t get me wrong; God wants us blessed in our current lives. It gives Him glory and is a tangible thing people can see to know we are His (Matthew 5:14-16; John 15:7-8): that starts with love (1 Corinthians 13; John 13:34-35). There’s no more valuable material on earth because it is the essence of God. We will sell or do anything for the hope of it. We cherish it once we have and understand it. We are instantly crushed when the anticipation, hope, or reality of it leaves. When we look for love, we are actually looking for God. We have to quit seeking things or expecting human beings to give us what only God can give: perfect love. At best, we can simply reflect it, and that comes through daily fellowship with God in prayer (Philippians 3:7-14). We must read His Word (2 Corinthians 3:18). 40-year minister, Ivan Tait says we are only as close to God as our ability to love those who wound us (Luke 23:34). Bible knowledge alone does not create selfless love; intimacy with God and obedience do. We are best defined as Christians by what we do to satisfy the needs of those who hate, abuse, murder, threaten, falsely accuse, betray, and misuse us (Matthew 5:43-48). It is the power of God. Are we like the Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), King Saul (1 Samuel 18:6-9), and/or the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35)? 1 John 4:7 NASB Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:16 NASB And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. Look up the scriptures I noted. Take your time and really think about their application—ask three questions: “What did I learn?” which is knowledge, “What does it accomplish?” which demonstrates understanding, and “What can I do now?” which shows application. Biblegateway.com or BibleHub.com are great resources to look up Scripture. Find which versions work for you! I love you guys. It is my passion that we see God for who He really is: AWESOME There’s no one like Him, and the best thing is, He loves both you and me (big smile). There’s no greater joy than being with Him. Hallelujah! Psalm 16:11 NLT (One of my favorite scriptures!) You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Always love, Mr. MJ

Nothing's better than knowing your value to God, the body of Christ, and the world It oozes confidence when we stand on God's Word and His vision for our lives. We are wildly amazing, wonderful, with great power when we plug into God to impact our communities, cities, even our nation and the world. When we let God use us to change others' lives, He changes ours. Do you believe that? I wanted to invite you to use a couple of tools if you are uncertain about purpose: who you are, why you are here, and what you can do! This is my ministry to you. I've been through this process myself, and God gave me a means to answer those questions decisively. It helped save my life. Here's a bit of my story... In college, I was a bright but severely underachieving student. I had difficulty keeping up with the content and studying for long periods of time despite my best efforts. I didn't know I was struggling with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the mounting frustration, confusion, anxiety and pressure I was feeling about my future sunk me into depression and I began to contemplate taking my life. Thankfully, though I did endure a couple of semesters on academic probation and warning, it occurred to me that I could do things differently. I discovered a way to become strategic and first outlined the steps of The Power of Vision process that turned my whole life around. My grades improved immediately, and in a few more quarters, I made the Dean's List! Then, I discovered my passion, launched my speaking career in local high schools, started a campus organization, and was also recognized by USA Today for my contribution to diversity efforts on campus. I was even accepted as a graduate student into one of the top five Master's degree programs in the country at the time for counseling psychology (University of MN, Twin Cities). I want you to tap into this process too, and it's amazingly simple Here are the tools! http://launchmangroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Power-of-Vision-Guide.pdf http://launchmangroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Manuscript-UPWARD.pdf Rock on, my awesome peeps! As you read, please post your questions and feedback. I'm here to serve you! The first link deals mostly with discovering your hidden talents, identifying and making sense of your passion, and discovering what world problem(s) you're uniquely fit to help heal (How amazing is that?! Yes, you!!). The second link takes this concept of purpose to a deeper level understanding who we are, how God made us, and how we can use that knowledge to shake the planet. So, are you ready? Let's go! (The Power of Vision Guide can be filled out electronically for convenience ) Love you guys, Mr. MJ

You're welcome everyone! Glad it could help! Go team Jesus!

Hi everyone! My name is Mr. MJ. I'm a youth development coordinator with my company Launch Man Group! I have a heart for teens and want to be sure you have the support you need to navigate tougher life issues: in this case, love. Post your on-topic questions and I'll do my best to answer them from a biblical perspective and/or point you in the right direction. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I know who does: Jesus Christ! We can all live better, happier, more productive lives when we follow Him, especially as it relates to our topic. I've already met a few awesome teens here and I hope they'll post here, and you too! --Mr. MJ

What an awesome place to start! I was a foster child and adoptee, so I understand some of the pressures and attacks on personal identity that can take place. Those in that position need heroines like you! To help you, here's a guide I hand out when I typically do presentations on this topic. It will help you get your thoughts in order, explore your gifts (even find hidden ones!), and get more details about how you can use them. If you can, try not to make it an intellectual or mental exercise (where you think real hard for each answer). Instead, it's a heart exercise. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you your real heart desire (Psalm 37:4) and let the answer actually "emerge" from inside you. I hope that makes sense! So many times we allow false ideas of what's possible or not possible to cause us to ignore or bury what we really want to do. God wants us to dream again! No limits with God! Here's a good one to start: https://launchmangroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Power-of-Vision-Guide.pdf A deeper version from a faith perspective: https://launchmangroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Manuscript-UPWARD.pdf Hope these help! Marius

Absolutely. Have you thought about it?

Godsbrunette, This is a hard place to be. I've lost relationships due to addiction, and it's a hard road...for both individuals. I believe Pointer gave you some very wise counsel. Keep it simple. Ensure your steps of improvement center on building your relationship with Christ first, not a future relationship. So many people make "sudden" changes as they feel the sting of their loss (I'm definitely not saying you're doing this, but just to be aware). However, as time goes on and the prospect of reconnecting seems impossible, we can loosen our grip on Jesus Christ, and the "let down" we feel can take us into a downward spiral. Jeremiah 17:5 NIV This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. John 15:5 NIV 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit... You are very courageous. The fact that you are running to God right now as your emotions are such a challenge says much about your character! Remember, you are already free from your addiction. That was accomplished on the cross. The problem is, though our spirits are renewed, our minds must now be (Romans 12:1-2). The Israelites were freed from Egypt, but still thought like slaves, so they took their bondage with them. When we "struggle" with sin, we do the same thing. I did so for years, though gradually I got stronger as I kept running to God. He kept showing me Galatians 3 in the Message Bible. Perhaps it will remain a blessing for you as it was for me. Let me know if there is anything more I can do to add value. You're a blessing! Stay strong in Him. My best, Marius

You're welcome, Delores Do you happen to know your purpose or your "position" on the body of Christ?

Delores, You did the right thing. That "pull" you feel that sparks guilty feelings as you pull away is called a soul-tie. Soul-ties happen when we wrap ourselves around a particular individual, idea, or thing. Depending on what it is, it can help or hurt us. You show incredible strength by following your conscience--which I believe to be the voice of the Holy Spirit in this case. I'm very proud of you. Soul-ties are difficult to break which is why God only intends for us to form them with Him and those He brings into our lives (Proverbs 4:23; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Either a person, idea, or thing is drawing us closer to God or further away. In regards to people, we should always be aware how someone impacts are walk with God. If we find ourselves being drawn away, or even just brought to a stand-still, then we should put that person, idea, or thing on the altar before God and ask Him courageously what He wants us to do with it. If the effect is obvious in the wrong direction, then you don't need a prayer. Run (2 Timothy 2:22)! Many people suffer needlessly and hinder God from bringing more fruitful relationships into our lives because we refuse to let go of what is familiar. From what I've read, you're not that kind of individual. Outstanding! God is so proud of you! Let me know if you have any follow-up questions, and I'm happy to help. Terri Savelle Foy has a wonderful teaching on soul ties that is outstanding. This teaching helped me heal from a broken relationship, and I bet it can help do the same for you. Here are the links... http://www.terri.com/4-indicators-of-wrong-soul-ties/ http://www.terri.com/breaking-soul-ties-2/ Hope these help! My best, Marius

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Our ability to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" determines our quality of life and effectiveness as Christians. Taking every thought captive means: Knowing the Scriptures - Ask God to share with you a study plan (John 14:26; James 1:5). He will! Be careful about looking to others and copying their plan. When it comes to spiritual development, God doesn't cut and paste (2 Corinthians 3:18). He sees you as a special unique individual and meets you right where you are (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Don't let anyone guilt you into three-hours-a-day or make you think the plan God does give you is somehow not "good enough." Follow God. Know the root of your pain - Remember, there's nothing wrong with being hurt or angry (Ephesians 4:26). We only sin when we allow bitterness, unforgiveness, retaliation, etc. to take over. How we react or what we say when angry or hurt can tell us what scriptures we should believe in, memorize, and recite (this is our spiritual warfare!). There are six basic human needs: nurture, acceptance, security, competence, independence, and impact. When we're angry or hurt, we need to ask God to show us in which of these areas (there could be more than one) we've been wounded, and apply Scripture there. For instance, if someone did something that triggered you to think, "I'm stupid," that could deal with acceptance, security, competence, and impact. A great scripture that could target one or more of these areas is, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)." I battled feeling inadequate for much of my life. Believing in, memorizing, and reciting this scripture helped heal my heart! Get support - These forums are a great tool. Sometimes we need help (probably most times) to heal from things that happen to us. Hearing the experiences of others can help us feel understood, have our feelings affirmed, and give us a road map for how to walk through the storm (Revelation 12:11). God doesn't promise we won't go through nasty things in our lives, just that if we hold on to Him, we'll make it through (Matthew 7:24-27; John 16:33)! Follow your plan - Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). If you want to get free and stay free from damaging thoughts, then you must continually feed upon the Word of God and apply it (Philippians 4:6-8; 2 Timothy 2:15). There is no other way. There are other factors, but this will definitely get you started! Feel free to post questions and I'll do my best to address them. I may recommend a resource you can use or link you to someone smarter or more experienced than me Either way, I'll be here for you to the best of my ability! My best, Marius